New Delhi: As India and the European Union move towards a deeper and more multidimensional partnership, the importance of connecting diplomacy with business, innovation and institutional cooperation is becoming increasingly evident. Reflecting this growing momentum, Mr. Sreekesh Menon, Trade Commissioner of the India–EU Trade Council, hosted Mr. Ondřej Dostál, Member of the European Parliament from the Czech Republic, for a high-level interaction in New Delhi focused on strengthening India–EU relations and exploring new avenues for trade, investment, technology exchange and people-to-people cooperation.
India and the European Union share a relationship that extends well beyond conventional trade, spanning technology, investment, research, education, innovation and sustainability. The evolving partnership presents significant opportunities for businesses across digital technology, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, infrastructure, logistics, education, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. While India offers European businesses access to a rapidly growing market, manufacturing base and entrepreneurial ecosystem, Europe provides Indian enterprises access to advanced technologies, capital, research networks and global value chains.
A key dimension of the discussion was the potential of the Czech Republic as a strategic gateway for Indian companies seeking to expand into European markets. With strengths in engineering, advanced manufacturing, green technology, healthcare, education and research and development, the Czech Republic offers considerable scope for Indian businesses to establish partnerships and strengthen their European presence.
During the event Mr. Menon stated, “India–EU relations must increasingly be understood as a partnership of possibilities — one where commerce creates connections, education builds understanding, and knowledge and innovation create lasting value,”
The discussions examined Europe–Southeast Asia cooperation, as well as opportunities in education, research, trade, investment, knowledge sharing and cultural exchange. Participants explored the potential for stronger connections between businesses, universities, research institutions and policymakers, with collaboration in healthcare, green technology, education and artificial intelligence emerging as areas of particular promise.
Speaking during the interaction, Mr. Ondřej Dostál stressed the need for a broader approach to India–EU relations, observing, “India and the European Union have an opportunity to build a partnership that goes beyond trade and encompasses education, innovation, culture and the exchange of knowledge.”
The engagement also witnessed the presence of H.E. Amrit Lagun, IFS, Former Ambassador of India to Greece, whose participation brought valuable diplomatic experience and further underscored the importance of combining traditional diplomacy with economic, academic and institutional engagement.
The meeting forms part of the wider international outreach of the India–EU Trade Council, which is set to host a delegation to the European Parliament in the coming months. The delegation will provide an opportunity to strengthen direct engagement with European policymakers and explore new avenues for cooperation between Indian and European businesses, institutions and knowledge communities.
Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of the India–EU Trade Council, emphasised the importance of translating dialogue into tangible partnerships: “The India–EU relationship has reached a stage where dialogue must increasingly translate into partnerships on the ground. Trade is an important pillar, but the future of this relationship will also be shaped by education, research, technology, investment and people-to-people connections.”
The New Delhi engagement reflected a relationship that is steadily evolving beyond traditional trade towards a broader partnership built on investment, innovation, knowledge and institutional cooperation. As India and Europe look towards the next phase of their relationship, initiatives that bring policymakers, businesses, diplomats, researchers and institutions together will be vital in turning shared possibilities into enduring partnerships.
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